Where the rainforest reaches the reef
The Port Douglas and Daintree region is the only place in the world in which two World Heritage listed areas sit side by side – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. This is literally where the rainforest meets the reef, as if the lush vegetation ashore has spread beneath the ocean surface in an explosion of coloured corals.
The relaxed seaside village of Port Douglas is set alongside the spectacular Four Mile Beach and has a vibrant atmosphere of tropical style and sophistication. Port Douglas holidaymakers relish the natural beauty and warm, balmy climate that attracts visitors at any time of the year. Soak up the sunshine on Four Mile Beach, stroll Macrossan Street among the village shops, galleries, historic buildings and enjoy the seaside Port Douglas Sunday market. Play a round of golf, visit a rainforest wildlife centre, relax over sundowner drinks at a boardwalk café, or dine on a delicious tropical dinner at one of the many fine restaurants.
To best explore this region, you truly need at least a week to take it all in. You can be as adventurous as you like, whether it is choosing an exotic dish or cocktail at one of our award-winning restaurants, or flying through the canopy of the rainforest upside down. From exploring the local culture at Mossman to diving beneath the ocean surface and exploring the underwater world, the experiences are endless.
STAY
QT PORT DOUGLAS
QT Port Douglas is a boutique luxury hotel in sunny Port Douglas. Set in a tropical paradise located just 2.5 km from Highway 44 and 2.6 km from Four Mile Beach, QT Port Douglas is for the way you are. Want to take it down a few notches? No problem. Want to kick it up? That can be arranged. QT Port Douglas Resort has got what you want, when you want it.
The airy, contemporary rooms and villas offer garden or pool views, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as desks and minibars. Modern 1- to 2-bedroom villas add kitchens, separate lounge areas and balconies. Room service is available.
There’s an eclectic restaurant, a hip cocktail lounge with pool tables, and an outdoor, lagoon-style pool with a bar. Other amenities include a day spa, a fitness centre and 2 tennis courts. Free parking is provided, and rental bikes and conference facilities are available for a fee.
Address: 87-109 Port Douglas Road, Port Douglas
Phone : +61 7 4099 8900
Website: www.qthotelsandresorts.com/port-douglas
PLAY
SUNSET COCKTAIL CRUISE
Relax on the Aquarius Luxury Sailing catamaran and admire the sunset over the World Heritage-listed mountains behind Port Douglas. The World Heritage area of the Great Barrier Reef and its islands also are the backdrop for your cruise where you will enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés. Aquarius’ highly experienced team will take care of your every need as you sail effortlessly through the Dickson Inlet of Port Douglas and out over the Coral Sea.
Website: www.portdouglascruises.com
STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
Get on board and try the closest thing to walking on water, cruise or glide, surf or ride and check out the awesome views from Four Mile Beach. Windswell can take care of your SUP adventures, something that is recommended for all ages.
Website: www.windswell.com.au
SUNDAY MARKETS
The Port Douglas Sunday Markets are held on the breezy shores of the Coral Sea next to St Mary’s Chapel on Wharf Street. The iconic markets a ‘must do’ activity for locals and visitors in Port Douglas on a Sunday. The Port Douglas Sunday Market features a range of locally produced wares, including boutique art and jewellery to nifty souvenirs, plants, delicious produce and more. The markets are open from 8am to around 1pm every Sunday.
OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF CRUISE
Quicksilver takes you to Agincourt Reef, at the very outer edge of the Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as ‘ribbons’ run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef’s environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life. As the region’s outer reef pioneer, we chose the best location available to show you nature’s finest.
Choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore the stunning reef from the comfort of a Quicksilver semi-sub, just one meter underwater. Watch the fish feeding from Quicksilver’s unique underwater viewing platform and underwater observatory, or fly in a helicopter over the reef.
Website: www.quicksilver-cruises.com
MOSSMAN GORGE CENTRE
Mossman Gorge Centre is a fantastic place to learn about the local Aboriginals. The Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk is a must, as you are welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony that cleanses and wards off bad spirits. The walk then meanders through stunning rainforest and takes in traditional huts or humpies. An experienced interpretive Indigenous guide demonstrates traditional plant use, identifies bush food sources and provides an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and the people’s special relationship with this unique tropical environment. Stop at ‘the Beach’ where your guide demonstrates traditions like making bush soaps and ochre painting.
Website: www.mossmangorge.com.au
EAT
SALSA BAR & GRILL
Salsa Bar and Grill is the epitome of tropical dining at its finest. Over the past 20 years, this Port Douglas restaurant has welcomed visitors, locals and even celebrities to come in and experience a real taste of the tropics. Salsa utilises only the finest local produce and flares it up in fun, funky way that will tantalise your taste buds! Chef Goran Zonai and his multinational team bring an abundance of flavour and spectacular eye catching dishes to each and every menu. The menu sources as much local produce as possible and is sure to leave you wanting more.
Website: www.salsaportdouglas.com.au
For more information on Port Douglas and The Daintree, visit www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com
